Tag: Megan Frampton

Demons and Diplomacy by Megan Frampton

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Contemporary in Period Dress, Historical Mystery, Historical Paranormal/Fantasy, Paranormal / Fantasy, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Demons and Diplomacy (Ministry of Supernatural Affairs Book 1)Demons and Diplomacy by Megan Frampton

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5/3 of 5 stars

Series: Ministry of Supernatural Affairs, #1

Release Date: August 25, 2026

Cora Hastings serves as Britain’s Species Ombudsman in a Victorian London where supernatural beings have publicly joined society after the Great Revelation. Her role places her between humans and supernatural species, requiring diplomacy, order, and practical problem-solving. Marcellus, the Marquis of Hell, becomes central to her assignment when he arrives with his father, the Devil, and his characterization leans into charm, temptation, and demonic influence. The supporting characters, including Cora’s friends and the supernatural figures surrounding the diplomatic visit, mainly function around Cora’s work, the developing romance, and the broader political tensions of the setting.

Cora is assigned to escort and manage the Devil’s visit to London ahead of the Great Exhibition, a diplomatic responsibility that becomes more complicated once threats against supernatural beings begin to surface. As Cora and Marcellus work together, the story combines historical romance, paranormal politics, mystery, and fantasy elements. The central conflict involves maintaining peace between humans and supernatural society while uncovering a conspiracy connected to the exhibition and the Devil’s presence in London.

When I learned that Megan Frampton was trying her hand at Romantasy, I was all in, I have read all of her Historical Romances and love her writing style, so I was rather surprised to find that she had written this book in the first person and that it just didn’t flow as well as her previous books had. I thought the premise had a lot of promise, especially with its supernatural version of Victorian London and Cora’s role as a government liaison between species. The worldbuilding and political setup were interesting, but the romance developed too quickly for me and did not have enough emotional build-up to make the connection feel fully earned. Also, the first-person narrative made Cora’s thoughts around Marcellus feel repetitive and sometimes disconnected from the high-stakes situation around her. While I can see the appeal for readers who enjoy light historical paranormal romance with banter, this one did not work for me.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

 

The Scot’s Seduction by Megan Frampton

On By TracyIn Contemporary in Period Dress, Historical Rom-Com, Part of a Series, Scottish/Highlander, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Scot's Seduction (Heirs & Spares #2)The Scot’s Seduction by Megan Frampton

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: Heirs & Spares #2

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Raised by eccentric parents, Lady Drusilla “Dru” Courtenay is not your average aristocrat, as she doesn’t really care what society thinks of her and has no desire to marry. She lives life on her own terms but is careful not to be too brazen about her choices. She might be whispered about, but she doesn’t want to be a pariah, as that would hurt the people she is determined to help. After dismissing her latest lover, she focuses on her true purpose, helping those in need. She desperately wants to buy a large property that could serve multiple purposes; to house people, teach them a craft and have a shop to sell the goods they make. Dru has a modiste fortune of her own, but to fund a project this large is beyond her means. She is discussing that very point with her friend and secretary of sorts, Miss Joey, when they hear a commotion outside and go to investigate. It is then that she meets Murdoch Cragmore, the Earl of Cragmore and his niece and ward, Miss Emily Davenport. Little does Dru know but her life is about to change forever.

Murdoch Cragmore would rather stay in Scotland with his sheep and his account books than suffer the season in London, but Emily is the only child of his beloved late sister, and he knows that she wanted Emily to have season. He is willing to endure the season but is concerned that Emily seems dead set on falling in love at first sight and marrying immediately, something they are arguing about when Lady Drusilla intervenes. It takes some doing, but they manage to get Dru to sponsor Emily in exchange for the deed to a building for her project. But nothing goes as planned and Murdoch soon finds himself falling in love a woman who has made it clear that she is not interested in forever.

This was fast paced, fun read with interesting and likable characters. The story has something for every reader, there is betrayal, found family, kittens, warm love scenes, salacious stuffed animals, great secondary characters, laugh out loud moments, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I will freely admit that I prefer historical romance stories to comply with the strictures of the era in which they are set, and this book doesn’t do that – it is 100% a contemporary in period dress. Despite playing fast and loose with historical accuracy, I did enjoy the story and would happily recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

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